Preview: Hong Kong Sevens

WORLD SERIES SPOTLIGHT: The 2016-17 season has been a whirlwind so far.

From the heat of Dubai, cricket in Cape Town, wind in Wellington, sizzling Sydney sun, virtuoso performances in Las Vegas and dropping the puck with the hockey teams in Vancouver.

Now it's time for Hong Kong.

The 16 team captains gathered under the old clocktower on Wednesday, along with representatives of 12 other teams bidding to join them on the series next year by winning the qualifier that runs side by side with the tournament in Hong Kong this weekend.

With six rounds already played, South Africa lead the way on 126 points, 23 ahead of nearest rivals England.

The BlitzBoks have won four rounds and England the other two.

Interestingly, Olympic champions Fiji, who currently lie in third place, are yet to win a round of the series.

But if there's one place they like to win, it's Hong Kong and captain Osea Kolinisau says his side are preparing well for the event.

"We feel good after coming into Hong Kong early and we're in a really good place and are getting things right," he said.

"We have some tough games and every pool game is tough but it's a good challenge.

"Hong Kong is a special place for every young Fijian. We grow up watching our idols who have worn the white jersey. It's like a right of passage - we say if you haven't played in Hong Kong, you haven't played for Fiji!"

The last rounds of the series saw the United States get to the semifinals in Las Vegas and Vancouver, something they'd like to improve on this weekend in Hong Kong with captain Madison Hughes hoping his side can benefit from the atmosphere in the famous Hong Kong Stadium.

"It's an absolutely incredible atmosphere - the whole crowd get into the game and it just flows onto the field. We are in a strong pool with Scotland, Argentina and Russia but we're confident in ourselves. We're hoping for at least a semifinal but it's about going out there and doing that now."

Hong Kong could also be a special weekend for England's Dan Norton, who is set to become the series top scorer if he dots down this weekend. The 29-year-old has scored 244 tries and currently share the record with Kenya's Collins Injera.

His coach Simon Amor paid tribute to the winger: "Players like Dan Norton set the world on fire and make the game of sevens so exciting.

"He is quick, which helps when you're a winger! He's got wonderful feet, but one of the thing people don't realise is that he is one of the most durable players we have, never misses one minute of training and is fit during every minute of every game. I may have jinxed him now, but he is fit, he works hard and he can keep getting better."

World Rugby vice-chairman Agustín Pichot said: "Hong Kong is one of the biggest and most unique tournaments on the Sevens Series circuit and this weekend will be yet another fantastic event.

"South Africa are deservedly leading the field but there is still a lot of rugby to be played and it will be interesting to see who lifts the trophy on Sunday evening here at the Hong Kong Stadium."